Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters filed at the Arlington County Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Arlington County divorce cases are heard in the Arlington County Circuit Court, located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests).
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s combined attorney experience exceeds 120 years, providing a strong foundation for handling complex family law matters.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Arlington County court information, forms, and procedures, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Law Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and the specific facts of your case.
- Filing the complaint or petition: Your attorney files the appropriate complaint for divorce, custody, or support with the Arlington County Circuit Court or J&DR Court, paying the required filing fee.
- Discovery and negotiation: Both parties exchange financial documents and other relevant information. Your attorney negotiates for a settlement on property division, support, and custody.
- Court hearings and final resolution: Attend any required hearings for temporary orders. If settlement is not reached, your case proceeds to trial before a judge at the Arlington County courthouse.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Arlington County
In Arlington County, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution standard for property division and the “best interests of the child” standard for custody determinations under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
| Offense / Issue | Classification / Standard | Potential Outcome | Court Costs / Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault (separation) or Fault-based | Dissolution of marriage, property division, support orders | ~$86 filing fee + service costs |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Legal & physical custody order, visitation schedule | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Monthly support order, healthcare, childcare | Contempt hearing costs if unpaid |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital property (11 factors) | Division of assets, debts, retirement accounts | Business valuation: $3,000-$10,000+ |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. The firm’s attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law. The firm maintains a documented record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Case Results in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorces resolved through settlement, custody agreements, and successful property division negotiations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Arlington location is minutes from the Arlington County courts at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via major local roadways. We serve as a family law lawyer near Arlington County and the surrounding communities of Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Arlington County, Virginia?
Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree; contested divorce: 9-18 months; complex equitable distribution with business valuation or retirement assets: 12-24 months; pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody: typically set within 21-60 days of motion. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Arlington County, Virginia?
Custody in Arlington County is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Arlington County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Arlington County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children + signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Filed at Arlington County Circuit Court.
Related Legal Resources
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you are in a neighboring area, consider our Alexandria City family law lawyer page. For other legal needs in Arlington County, see our Arlington County criminal defense lawyer and Arlington County DUI/DWI lawyer pages. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.